"We have got to put more resources into tackling the people who import drugs into Teesside," he said.

But Mr Shaw warned the budget now proposed, which was 5.5pc more than the current year, was still not enough, given the current problems.

Cllr Dave McLuckie said around £750,000 was being held from the sale of properties such as the former police stations in Guisborough and Loftus.

"We have this money and it should not be kept behind the clock," he said.

He proposed cutting £500,000 from the £1.5m allocated for special inquiries, disciplines and operations. If the £500,000 was needed, it could be taken from the property sales cash.

But Mr Shaw said three years ago the authority had taken a decision to use that cash for developments of the police estate on Teesside.

Alf Illingworth said the public wanted extra officers, but the numbers proposed would only get the force back to where it was some years ago.

"This budget addresses the issues the public want to be addressed and I support it," Cllr Valerie Halton said.

Ted Cox said the Chief Constable claimed the budget was still not enough.

"It is like Oliver Twist always asking for more. I would like to be like Scrooge and see the council tax come down, but I do not believe it is possible."

The police element of the council tax in the coming year will be: Band A £64.08 (£46.34 this year), Band B £74.77 (£54.06), Band C £85.45 (£61.79), Band D £96.13 (£69.51), Band E £117.49 (£84.96), Band F £138.85 (£100.40), Band G £160.21 (£115.85), Band H £192.25 (£139.02).

Are you happy to pay the extra money? Write to Letters to the Editor, Evening Gazette, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AZ or e-mail editor@eveninggazette.co.uk